Firmware Freedom: Why Guitar Hardware Should Run Whatever You Want
Guitarists spend years with a multi-effects unit and end up using two sounds. The hardware matters; the firmware shouldn't be locked forever. CoyoPedal's open-source firmware runs on $3 and $4 microcontrollers, proving that cheap general-purpose chips can handle full NAM amp models and effects. The post calls on pedal companies to unlock bootloaders and let communities improve firmware, and invites collaboration.
Companies keep it closed because it is the only thing that is still closed, not because there is anything in it that could not be rebuilt.